Development of a Novel PES/Mango Peel Derived Biochar Composite Membrane for the Removal of Cu2+ Ions in Water

Document Types

Paper Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Materials Engineering (MEN)

School Name

De La Salle University Senior High School - Manila

Track or Strand

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Leron, Rhoda, B. ; Choi, Angelo Earvin, S.

Start Date

25-6-2026 10:30 AM

End Date

25-6-2026 12:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

Online - https://zoom.us/j/92594857524 Meeting ID: 925 9485 7524 | Passcode: research

Abstract/Executive Summary

Heavy metal contamination of water has driven the development of sustainable treatment technologies, such as biochar adsorption and membrane filtration. However, challenges in biochar recovery in solution, as well as membrane fouling, limit their standalone efficiency. This study aims to develop a polyethersulfone (PES) membrane integrated with mango peel-derived biochar for the removal of Cu2+ ions from water. The biochar was produced from mango peels and incorporated into the PES matrix via non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS). Membranes with different biochar compositions (0 wt%, 1.0 wt%, 1.5 wt%, and 2.0 wt%) were developed and evaluated for their pure water flux and their copper permeate flux under a dead-end vacuum filtration system. Flux decreased for 0 wt% to 1.0 wt% membranes, likely as a result of pore obstruction from the biochar particles. However, the flux recovered for 1.5 wt% membranes and increased for 2.0 wt% membranes, due to increased hydrophilicity and porosity. The greater flux in deionized water than in the Cu2+ solution suggests that the accumulation of Cu2+ ions from adsorption can block pore channels, reducing membrane permeability. The formed biochar composite membranes (BCM) were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). They were found to have the morphology and the composition suitable for the adsorption of Cu2+ ions in water. Further research can explore the potential application of mango peel-derived BCMs as a low-cost, locally sourced, and environmentally friendly solution for industrial wastewater treatment.

Keywords

polyethersulfone; mango peel biochar; biochar composite membrane; heavy metal filtration; copper adsorption

Statement of Originality

yes

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Jun 25th, 10:30 AM Jun 25th, 12:00 PM

Development of a Novel PES/Mango Peel Derived Biochar Composite Membrane for the Removal of Cu2+ Ions in Water

Heavy metal contamination of water has driven the development of sustainable treatment technologies, such as biochar adsorption and membrane filtration. However, challenges in biochar recovery in solution, as well as membrane fouling, limit their standalone efficiency. This study aims to develop a polyethersulfone (PES) membrane integrated with mango peel-derived biochar for the removal of Cu2+ ions from water. The biochar was produced from mango peels and incorporated into the PES matrix via non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS). Membranes with different biochar compositions (0 wt%, 1.0 wt%, 1.5 wt%, and 2.0 wt%) were developed and evaluated for their pure water flux and their copper permeate flux under a dead-end vacuum filtration system. Flux decreased for 0 wt% to 1.0 wt% membranes, likely as a result of pore obstruction from the biochar particles. However, the flux recovered for 1.5 wt% membranes and increased for 2.0 wt% membranes, due to increased hydrophilicity and porosity. The greater flux in deionized water than in the Cu2+ solution suggests that the accumulation of Cu2+ ions from adsorption can block pore channels, reducing membrane permeability. The formed biochar composite membranes (BCM) were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). They were found to have the morphology and the composition suitable for the adsorption of Cu2+ ions in water. Further research can explore the potential application of mango peel-derived BCMs as a low-cost, locally sourced, and environmentally friendly solution for industrial wastewater treatment.

https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2026/BoA_MEN/2